Mass media swamps diversity. It makes every place the same. Bangkok or Tokyo or London: there's a McDonald's on one corner, a Benetton on another, a Gap across the street. Regional differences vanish. All differences vanish. In a mass-media world, there's less of everything except the top ten books, records, movies, ideas.
In "The Lost World," Michael Crichton argues that mass media homogenizes culture, effectively erasing regional distinctions. Cities like Bangkok, Tokyo, and London showcase a uniformity driven by global brands like McDonald's and Gap. This societal shift leads to the diminishing of unique local characteristics and traditions, making every place feel increasingly similar.
Crichton expresses concern that the overwhelming presence of mass media results in a narrow focus on only the most popular cultural products, such as the top ten books, records, and movies. As a consequence, the rich tapestry of diverse ideas and artistic expressions becomes less prominent, leaving society with a shallow representation of culture.
